Solar Panel Cost Guide in Bellevue, NE (2024 Update)

  • Bellevue Solar Installation Cost: $23,804
  • 25-Year Savings: $21,695
  • Payback Period: 14.7 Years

See cost of a solar system near you:

By EcoWatch Local Advisors

Data Analysis: James Savino

Ranking Methodology: Karsten Neumeister

Updated February 03, 2024

Why you can trust EcoWatch

We work with a panel of solar experts to create unbiased reviews that empower you to make the right choice for your home. No other site has covered renewables as long as us, which means we have more data and insider information than other sites. Our rankings are never affected by revenue or partnerships.

Average Cost of Solar Panels in Bellevue

Here’s how much it might cost to make the switch to solar in Bellevue.

The average cost of a solar system in Bellevue is 4 per watt.Because a 9.5-kW system is needed to cover the energy needs of a typical home in Bellevue, the average price of going solar will be about $23,804 after claiming the federal solar tax credit of 0.

The actual price you pay can be above or below the average in Bellevue depending on several factors, such as the model of solar panels you choose and the solar company you hire.With average savings of about $16,000 on utility bills over 20 years, many homeowners in Bellevue find going solar can pay off big.

To receive a free quote from a vetted solar installation company in Bellevue, you can click the button below.

Solar savings over time in Bellevue

Year Return on Investment
1 years $-22,554
3 years $-20,054
5 years $-17,555
7 years $-15,056
9 years $-12,556
11 years $-10,057
13 years $-7,558
15 years $-5,058
17 years $-2,559
19 years $-60
21 years $2,440
23 years $4,939
25 years $7,438

Top Solar Installers in Bellevue

Trying to install solar panels yourself can be a difficult undertaking, which is why using a solar installer is a good option for many homeowners. Another perk of going with a solar company is that they can help you optimize your ROI by bringing down your future costs of repairs and replacements because of warranties and giving you information on local incentives you can take advantage of.

There are a number of licensed solar professionals that can help you install your solar panels. Here are our suggestions:

Best National Provider

SunPower

★★★★★
5.0

  • Most efficient panels on the market
  • National coverage
  • Cradle to Cradle sustainability certification
  • Great warranty coverage
  • Expensive
  • Customer service varies by local dealer

Best Technology

Tesla Energy

★★★★★
3.2

  • Price-match guarantee
  • Sleek, efficient, and durable solar panels
  • Best solar battery on the market
  • Some reported issues with customer service
  • Customer service varies by local dealer

See all of the solar companies in Bellevue

Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Bellevue

Although the average cost of a solar system in Bellevue is $23,804, your final cost may differ. There are many factors that can have a major impact on the cost of a solar system installation. Below are some of the more crucial things to take into consideration.

Solar Equipment

One of the most important factors to consider when it comes to the cost of installing solar panels is the size of the solar system, which is measured in kilowatts (kW). The more energy your household uses, the larger your system will likely need to be. You can expect to pay around $3,580 per kilowatt in Bellevue.The type of solar equipment you choose can increase or decrease your cost by thousands or even tens of thousands of dollars. If you choose the most efficient solar panel brands, you’ll end up paying more upfront than if you opted for the most affordable panels. However, more efficient panels could save you more in the long run on your power bills. Additionally, extra products, like solar batteries, can bump up your total well above the Bellevue average.

Solar Financing Terms

Many homeowners find the average cost of solar in Bellevue to be prohibitively steep, even if the investment pays off over time. Thankfully, almost every solar installer in the area offers financing options. Solar loans drastically decrease upfront costs in most cases, but they also lead to higher prices over time because of interest.You’ll have to consider the long-term cost of financing options, including the total interest you’ll pay over the length of the loan. If you’re only able to get a high-interest loan, then your total can be hundreds or even thousands of dollars more than the principal cost. Making a larger down payment or finding a solar loan with a low interest rate could reduce your costs significantly.

Solar Panel Installation Company

The remaining key cost factor you should keep in mind is the installer you choose. Given the booming popularity of sustainable energy solutions in Bellevue, you’ll have lots of options to choose from, but each comes at varying price points for labor and equipment.Larger national companies generally have lower costs, but some local companies keep up with them by promoting sales and discounts. While the smaller companies might not have specific equipment options like Tesla Powerwall batteries or additional services like electric vehicle charger installation, they might be cheaper overall.

Solar Panel Cost Data by System Size

System size Cost per system watt Solar system cost 25-Year savings Payback period
6 kW $3.72 $15,637 $9,953 15.3 years
8 kW $3.65 $20,449 $13,671 15.0 years
10 kW $3.58 $25,060 $17,590 14.7 years
12 kW $3.51 $29,471 $21,710 14.4 years
14 kW $3.44 $33,681 $26,029 14.1 years
16 kW $3.37 $37,690 $30,550 13.8 years
18 kW $3.29 $41,499 $35,271 13.5 years
20 kW $3.22 $45,108 $40,192 13.2 years

How to Save on Solar Panels

Since the type of solar panels and the installer you choose considerably affects your costs and your system’s durability and efficiency, it’s important to pick the right ones for you. Here are some tips to keep in mind to help with your decision:

  • Reputation: The North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP) is a well-established certification organization for renewable energy professionals. If your solar panel installer is NABCEP-certified, it most likely has a solid reputation and is qualified to install your solar system. Another way you can look into your installer’s reputation is by reading reviews.
  • Solar Panel Brands: Different companies carry different brands and models of panels. If you want a specific brand, make sure the solar company you’re considering has it.
  • Warranty: Warranties that cover replacement parts and repairs over a long period of time such as 25 years are the best you can get in the business, and offering such a warranty is one sign of a quality company.
  • Contract: When reading over your solar installer’s contract, ask for clarification about any terms you’re not sure of and be sure you understand what happens in scenarios like a system part breaking or the company going out of business.

Best National Provider

SunPower

★★★★★
5.0

  • Most efficient panels on the market
  • National coverage
  • Cradle to Cradle sustainability certification
  • Great warranty coverage
  • Expensive
  • Customer service varies by local dealer

Best Technology

Tesla Energy

★★★★★
3.2

  • Price-match guarantee
  • Sleek, efficient, and durable solar panels
  • Best solar battery on the market
  • Some reported issues with customer service
  • Customer service varies by local dealer

EcoWatch's Bellevue, NE Solar Cost FAQs

What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Bellevue?

This is a difficult question to answer exactly, because the cost depends on many factors. Generally speaking, it costs about $17,900 for a 5-kW system and $35,800 for a 10-kW system after the ITC is applied. It will cost more if you want additional solar equipment or higher quality panels, or if you have above-average energy consumption. On the flip side, you can spend less if you go with a smaller solar panel system or less efficient solar panels.

What other factors should I consider aside from cost when buying solar panels?

Cost is definitely one of the most important factors you should consider when buying solar panels, but other important factors include efficiency, durability, and quality.

Can you sell solar power back to the grid in Bellevue?

The majority of states have net metering programs of some kind. Through these, you can receive compensation for the extra power your system produces or or receive credits to put toward future utility bills. Currently there are just three states that don’t have any net metering laws: Alabama, Tennessee and South Dakota.

How often do you have to replace solar panels?

Though the average lifespan of solar panels is 25 to 30 years, that doesn't mean they should be disposed of at that time. What this means is their energy production will have decreased significantly after that point. You can choose to replace them once you've had them for that long or you can keep using them at a lower efficiency.

Our goal is to reach as many people as we can with sensible solutions like solar energy. Our team of full-time local researchers collects solar price and installation data for every city in America then compiles it to create these digestible city guides. If you want to read our solar expert's opinion on the top solar companies featured here, follow this link.

Company research was conducted by Melissa Smith and Karsten Neumeister. Local data analysis was conducted by James Savino. See something we missed or could do better? Email the editor.

Follow us